Melatonin and Sleep Quality in Locomotive Engineers
Author Information
Author(s): Gregory D Roach, Kathryn J Reid, Sally Ferguson, Drew Dawson
Primary Institution: Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia
Hypothesis
The rate of melatonin excretion would be greater, sleep duration would be longer, and subjective sleep quality would be higher for sleep initiated during the night-time than for sleep initiated during the daytime.
Conclusion
Low production of melatonin may play a role in the poor consolidation of daytime sleep in natural sleep settings.
Supporting Evidence
- Sleep quality and duration were highest for sleep initiated at night.
- Melatonin production was greatest for night-time sleep.
- Daytime sleep was associated with lower melatonin levels.
Takeaway
This study found that locomotive engineers sleep better and longer at night compared to during the day, which may be linked to melatonin levels.
Methodology
Participants recorded sleep details and collected urine samples to measure melatonin excretion over a 2-week period.
Limitations
The study could not determine the extent to which light exposure affected melatonin levels during daytime sleep.
Participant Demographics
253 locomotive engineers (249 male, 4 female) with a mean age of 39.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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